What To Consider Before Introducing Your Children To The Joy Of Eggnog (2024)

To me, eggnog is the candy corn of the winter holiday treats. It's so polarizing — most people either love it or they hate it. I'm in the second camp, probably because I accidentally had my first taste of eggnog when I was 7 years old. My mom had a cup sitting on the coffee table and I thought it was my milk. Nope. It was definitely eggnog, and I definitely spit it out. I don't remember if there was anything "extra" in there, but I'm pretty sure there was. Obviously I survived, but if they actually like it, can kids drink eggnog as long as there's no alcohol?

Pediatrician Gina Posner tells Romper that after age 1, it's OK for kids to drink eggnog, as long as there are no raw eggs involved, because that can cause salmonella.

The FDA website noted that fresh eggs, if consumed raw, can contain bacteria called salmonella, which causes "foodborne illness," aka food poisoning. Apparently there are approximately 79,000 cases of foodborne illness and 30 deaths each year from consuming raw eggs that are contaminated with salmonella. "Consuming dangerous foodborne bacteria will usually cause illness within one to three days of eating the contaminated food. However, sickness can also occur within 20 minutes or up to 6 weeks later," the website noted. "Although most people will recover from a foodborne illness within a short period of time, some can develop chronic, severe, or even life-threatening health problems."

From a nutritional standpoint, Posner says that while eggnog isn't unsafe, it does have a lot of fat and sugar. So moderation is really key, and eggnog shouldn't replace your child's typical drinks of milk or water.

If you're looking for an egg- and alcohol-free, kid-friendly version of eggnog to give to your child, this recipe from Seeded at the Table is a lighter alternative, made with warmed egg yolks, milk, and vanilla extract, and it's a little lighter in the sugar department as well.

For a non-eggnog holiday treat, Posner suggests making a cinnamon tea with some honey if your child is over the age of 1 (because of the bacteria in honey). "Again, moderation is the key," Posner says. Hot spiced cider, hot chocolate, and all of the other warm festive drinks can be enjoyed with your children.

Expert:

Gina Posner, pediatrician at MemorialCare

What To Consider Before Introducing Your Children To The Joy Of Eggnog (2024)

FAQs

Is it okay for kids to drink eggnog? ›

Avoid underage eggnog drinking

As for older kids, even if you choose an alcohol-free, dairy-free recipe, you may find that the raw eggs make your kids sick. Another factor worth considering is the sheer amount of sugar that may be hiding in your Christmas treat.

Why you should be careful with that eggnog? ›

Refrigerated eggs with clean, uncracked shells can still be contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Eggs must be cooked to 160 degrees F to kill bacteria such as Salmonella that may be present. If your eggnog recipe calls for raw eggs, it may not be safe.

Why does eggnog get better with age? ›

The idea? Make a batch of eggnog and let it age for at least three weeks in the refrigerator before drinking. The rest period supposedly drives off eggy taste while giving the other flavors a chance to meld. At the same time, the alcohol has a chance to kill any potential pathogens in the mix.

How good is eggnog after opening? ›

The Food and Drug Administration suggests consuming commercial eggnog within three to five days of opening a carton, and you should drink homemade eggnog within two to four days of making. If you're unsure whether eggnog has gone off, give it a whiff, and check for these signs: lumpy texture. spoiled milk smell.

What are the side effects of eggnog? ›

“That's because all of these can compound into a difficult-to-digest situation, requiring digestive enzymes like lactase, sucrase and alcohol dehydrogenase to kick into high gear all at the same time. This could lead to gas, diarrhea, cramping or abdominal pain within 30 minutes to a few hours after drinking.”

What is eggnog definition for kids? ›

Kids Definition

eggnog. noun. egg·​nog -ˌnäg. : a drink made of eggs beaten with sugar, milk or cream, and often alcoholic liquor.

Does eggnog do anything to your body? ›

Eggnog may not be considered a "health food," but the drink does have some nutritional benefits including certain vitamins and protein. Traditional eggnog is also high in sugar and fat, and for that reason, it's best to drink in moderation as a dessert.

Is eggnog healthy for your heart? ›

Eggnog is loaded with saturated fat and sugar. It also has a significant amount of cholesterol, which you really can't do anything about since it's from the eggs. (And without the eggs in eggnog it would just be, well, nog.)

Why is eggnog so addictive? ›

The role of sugar in eggnog

Sugar's addictive properties have been studied, and ice cream mix used to make eggnog contains its fair share, both from the milk sugar lactose and from added sugars.

What is so special about eggnog? ›

Eggnog (/ˈɛɡˌnɒɡ/), historically also known as a milk punch or an egg milk punch when alcoholic beverages are added, is a rich, chilled, sweetened, dairy-based beverage. It is traditionally made with milk, cream, sugar, egg yolks, and whipped egg whites (which gives it a frothy texture, and its name).

Can you eat 100 year old egg nog? ›

Let's face it, the thought of eating an egg which has been described as having been preserved for 100 years doesn't sound too appetizing to most of us, does it? Well, believe it or not, this Chinese delicacy is as delicious as it looks.

How long should you age eggnog? ›

Best Eggnog Recipe

Game plan: It's good to give the eggnog a full 3 weeks of aging or up to 1 year, but you can drink it right away; however, the flavor will be less rounded. For the eggnog: 1. Separate egg yolks and whites.

Is eggnog good for your stomach? ›

Most Eggnogs Have Long Ingredients Lists

Thickeners may cause digestive upset in some people. Several of the dairy products contain high fructose corn syrup as a sweetener.

Why can't you freeze eggnog? ›

Yes, you can freeze eggnog! Freezing this egg fortified beverage is a great way to extend the shelf life of this festive tipple. Made from milk, cream, raw eggs, sugar, alcohol (normally rum, whisky or bourbon) and other flavor enhancers like vanilla, eggnog can be kept in the freezer for a later date.

Does eggnog go bad if left out overnight? ›

Don't let eggnog sit out too long

Coffman suggests not keeping eggnog out in a large bowl at a party, for example, for more than two hours. “That really goes for any food,” she said. “Put a smaller amount out and then refresh it if needed.”

Does eggnog have alcohol in it? ›

Traditional eggnog has a significant fat content, due to the use of cream, and a high sugar content. Ingredients vary significantly between different recipes. Alcohol used in different national and regional versions of eggnog include brandy, cognac, bourbon, whiskey, sherry, rum and grain alcohol.

Can you drink straight up eggnog? ›

Serve your eggnog chilled and plain for a classic treat.

The most classic way to serve eggnog doesn't involve any prep, and it's perfect as an after-dinner treat around the holidays. All you have to do is pour chilled eggnog into a glass. It pairs nicely with sweets, especially baked goods make with milk or cream.

Do I have to age eggnog? ›

A month would be better, and 2 better still. In fact, there's nothing that says you couldn't age it a year, but I've just never been able to wait that long. And yes, you can also drink it right away. Serve in mugs or cups topped with a little extra nutmeg grated on top.

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